Walt Disney Co. announced today that ABC News president Ben Sherwood will take over for Anne Sweeney when she steps from Jan. 31 from the helm of Disney/ABC Television Group for a life in the movie director business.

Disney CEO Robert Iger lauded Sherwood for driving “Good Morning America” to the top of the morning show pack, ahead of long-time ratings rule, “Today,” of NBC.

Sherwood immediately begins a transition to the top spot by taking the co-president position of Disney/ABC TV.

In charge of ABC News since 2010, Sherwood was responsible for GMA, “World News with Diane Sawyer,” “Nightline,” “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” and “20/20.”

He also was in command of ABC News Radio, ABC.News.com and satellite service NewsOne.